Just grateful

  As I sit here in the quiet of our tiny two-bedroom town home while Addie naps, I can't help but feel grateful. And blessed. Not because every day is perfectly scheduled and always goes according to plan. Or because our house is huge and I never feel crowded. And it's not because Addie is the perfect baby and never cries and always smiles. If you follow my Instagram (kghovis) or this blog, I can confidently tell you all those pictures I post can be quite deceptive. In those pictures she is typically always smiling, never messy, and so am I. While I am grateful that Addie is, for the most part, a happy baby, she is not perfect. She cries. Screams too. Sometimes I cry with her. She woke up this morning with boogers on her face, but I didn't think you would have wanted to see it, so I didn't take a picture. In fact, who really takes pictures of the messiness of their life? I've never seen pictures of someone crying after an argument with their husband. I've never seen someone post a pictures of their hair falling out or changing colors because of anxiety. Or never have I seen someone post a picture of themselves with their therapist. Some people only know us from our blog, twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. And those perfectly deceive us. They are good and fun, I use all of them. A lot actually.  But really (for the most part) they reveal the life we want other people to see.

As I began typing this post, my intentions were not to rant about social networks. Really, I was going to tell you how perfect my life is. Just kidding. But back to the first sentence. Why am I grateful? Because Christ has and is continuing to make me so content in the simple, not glamorous, life that I am living. Don't get me wrong. Being a stay-at-home mom is hard. But I absolutely love it. I wish I could say that I never complained about being too tired, or just needing a break, or that my daughter is driving me nuts. I am an imperfect person, I need grace. The first 2-3 months of being a mom, I sometimes caught myself saying "Wow, I am not getting anything done today." I would say this because Addie was being extra fussy or feeding around the clock. But then when I realized what I said, I would laugh. Really? What do I think I need to get done? Dishes? Laundry? Dinner?

Seriously. Would my job be to stay at home and clean and cook if I didn't have a child? No. I would still be teaching. My job is Addie. My first priority is Addie. Yes, I have only one child, so technically my job is cake right now. If I meet Addie's needs, give her attention, prayed for her and loved her well, I did my job. Then I can clean and cook. Or do whatever else I feel necessary. I never want caring for my child become a reason for me saying those words.

I am also so grateful for my home. We have a tiny house, and while I do wish sometimes it was a bit bigger (to host more people), there are so many times when I look around and can't believe we own a house. This place we live in constantly reminds me of God's kindness towards Eric and I. When we bought this house we had no money. It makes us laugh to think about the fact we actually bought a house at the time, therefore, we absolutely know it was God who provided this home.

My heart is full. And it's not because we have a lot of money. It's not because we have a huge house or fancy cars. It's not because our closets are full of designer clothes. And don't get me wrong, just like most girls and well, humans, I find myself sometimes longing for these things. And honestly, when I am longing for those objects I find myself at my most discontent. The reason my heart is full today is because I am marveling in my relationships. Really. I love my husband. I love my baby. I love my friends. I love my family. I love Jesus. And I am just grateful.

5 Months

It has been so fun to watch Addie Grace grow and develop these past few months, but it does make me a little sad to think how fast it's gone! She isn't itty bitty anymore! The picture on the left is her at 1 month and the one on the right is from today (5 months!). I bought 0-12 month stickers (pictured on left) and I cannot find them anywhere. It's driving me nuts.

Developmentally, AG is right on track. She isn't sitting up on her own but I'm sure that's coming soon. I also have not started solid foods. I am waiting until she is 6 months. I figured why start something new (if she doesn't need it) when everything is going well the way it is. I did give her a lick of my apple the other day. I was so funny, I think she was just confused. She kept licking though!

This last month we have gotten into a pretty good evening routine. Around 7:00 we give her a bath, then bottle, then bed by 7:30. We also still give her a 2-4oz feeding between 10-11 PM. She typically wakes up between 6:15-7:30 am.

I am so thankful she is a great baby! Hopefully she will continue being easy going, we shall see!

Kale Chips

On Monday, I went over to a friend's house for lunch. It's always a treat when she makes me lunch because without a doubt, she always introduces me to new foods. She is a very healthy eater and grocery shops organic and fresh. And get this...she doesn't keep sugar in her house. Did you get that? Do you even understand what I just said? Because I don't. She doesn't have SUGAR in her house!! WHAT?! She bakes with real maple syrup. Have you ever tried baking without sugar?

Anyways, this new food she introduced me to is Kale chips. When she opened the oven for me to see what she was making, I immediately thought, "Hmmm. Interesting, not convinced I will like those, but I'll try it!"  I was a little skeptical, which I'm not sure why because I always love everything she cooks. I took one bite and was obsessed. I immediately went to the grocery store and cooked some Monday night. And Tuesday. And I'll probably make them today. The texture is amazing.

This is what Kale looks like:

You break the leafy ends from the stem and lay them across a pan:

Spray EVOO all over and sprinkle salt. Bake at 200 for 1 hour. They should be crunchy and delectable. Have you ever tried a Kale chip?? If not, you really should!

Super Bowling

For me, Super Bowl Sunday is typically more about good friends then a football game. Don't get me wrong, I like football and can easily get into a game when I watch it, but I don't keep up with the NFL. I was a little more interested in this Super Bowl because of the Harbaugh brothers and Kaepernick's story but other then that, I was just excited to hang out with my friends and eat good food.

Since last summer, Eric and I have been in a small group with six other couples and it has been SO FUN. There is a good mixture of comedy and seriousness within our group, and I absolutely love being around these people. Our small group is growing, seeing how three of the girls are pregnant! Two with a 2nd child and one with a first!

These are the current small group kids (with 3 more on the way!): Cameron, Eve, & Addie. So we tried to get a kid picture. We tried. Eve loves Addie. When we got there, she ran to us saying "Addie, Addie," so that means she pushed Cameron out of the way during the picture so she could get to Addie.

This wasn't from the Super Bowl hang out but I love these girls and are thankful we are in a small group together. Sarah was also here, but I think she was letting the dog out...or something like that. We may or may not have been watching The Bachelor in this picture...

My favorite things

These past few days/weeks I have really been enjoying...

1. All Sons and Daughters

This duo has provided sweet music to my ears and soul. I can confidently say they have some of the best worship music out there, and I highly encourage you to check them out! I am a huge, huge fan.

2. Steven Madden Intyce in Stone

These boots are my go-to when I'm not in exercise clothes. They are incredibly comfy and extremely cute. These are a very popular boot in brown, however, my favorite is the Stone color.

3. String Cheese

Yes, I know. I'm in first grade. Seriously though, string cheese has been my favorite snack for a while now.

4.Cover Girl lipstick in Cutie Guapa Mignonne

I'm not a huge lipstick wearer but when I do, this is the color I go for. Let's be honest though, it's the only lipstick I own. I love it. I have been wearing this color since high school. And no, I will not branch out...okay maybe I will if someone recommends a great one.

5. Natural Bliss Sweet Cream

YUM. This is my new favorite coffee cream. It is delish.

6. Green Bean Chips

They are crunchy and trick your brain into thinking you are eating potato chips. Eric thinks they taste like hamster food. I like them. They are crunchy, salty, and sweet...a combination.You can get them at almost any grocery store.

7. Cross Training with Bradley

I go to this class at the gym every week. It is a butt-kicking class and I highly recommend it. It consists of sprints (sometimes up hills!), strength, and abs. It's fun to go to the same class every week where you see the same people and the instructor knows who you are and expects your attendance.

8. Bible reading chart

This is by far, the best reading plan (in a year)  I have tried. I found it on the Gospel Coalition website at the end of December when I was searching for a plan. Basically you read 2-3 OT chapters and 1 NT chapter a day, with a few books you read in one sitting. Every other time, when I have attempted something such as this, I often get behind and therefore get discouraged because it can be so hard to catch up. This plan allows 4 "off" days per month, which can serve as catch up days (if you don't complete the entire reading in one day), or a day to read whatever you want!

What are some of your favorite things? I would love to try new things! What do you recommend?!

Wolfpack girl

Addie Grace grows

4.5 months later...